She will retain duties as chief financial officer

Cunningham Lindsey Ireland said it has appointed Gillian Cregan as chief executive.

Cregan who has been with the company for 15 years, latterly as chief operating officer and chief financial officer, succeeds Sean Ryan, who is leaving the company.

Cregan will retain her CFO duties.

Cunningham Lindsey global leadership team member Phil McNeilage said: “Gillian has the ideal combination of skills, which I know she will apply to lead the team to new levels.”